"As a team we were keen to think of ways that we could bring families and their babies closer together.

"We hope that implementing this video messaging system will provide parents and families with some comfort and ongoing connection to their baby when they are otherwise not able to be by their cotside."

Dr Cordwell was motivated to introduce the system based on her own experiences of different systems available to nurseries and preschools.

One of the patients to pilot the new technology ahead of yesterday's launch was 31-year-old Sara Deans from Banbury, north Oxfordshire.

Her son, 14-week-old Frazer, weighed 1Ib 8oz (835g) after being born at 24 weeks, and has been battling complicated medical issues at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital since April 2018.

Sara, who jumped at the chance to pilot the free app, said: "As soon as I was told about the app I said it was a brilliant idea.

"It's so nice that when I leave the unit, instead of ringing, I can physically see him.

"The nurses are great. I went to the dentist recently and one of them had written a note saying 'mummy be brave at the dentist today, love Frazer'. It was so cute.

"vCreate has been so beneficial and is so appreciated. I 100 percent recommend it."

Emma Cantrell, SSNAP Charity Director, said: "SSNAP is committed to working closely with the Newborn Intensive Care Unit in our joint aim to enable families to spend more time with their baby and to reduce parents' anxiety when they can't be physically present.

"Thanks to the generous donations of families who have gone before them we are very glad to be able to fund this fantastic app to help parents feel better connected to their baby when they can't be cotside."

Sarah Vaccari, from Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: "At Oxford Hospitals Charity we know that sometimes the little things can make a very big difference.

"For parents of premature and poorly babies, keeping constantly in touch with their little one's progress and feeling involved in their care provides reassurance and minimises separation anxiety during a very difficult time.

"It also allows wider family members such as siblings and grandparents to be more involved. So we are delighted that we have collaborated with Newborn Care team and SSNAP to support this very special project."

Ben Moore, Founder of vCreate, added: "The launch of vCreate in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the John Radcliffe will provide a massive boost to worried parents who aren't able to be in the unit 24/7."